Tractor Performance Optimization via Normalized Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating large track-type tractors efficiently is challenging due to complex interactions between soil conditions, operator controls, and equipment performance, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency, as operators are overwhelmed by excessive information and struggle to optimize performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors and a processor to calculate and display optimum performance by receiving inputs on current operating conditions and states, iteratively solving performance equations to determine peak values, and normalizing performance data to provide actionable insights for improving tractor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators are provided with comprehensive information about operating conditions and performance metrics, then the ability to optimize efficiency is improved, but the operator becomes overwhelmed and ignores the information
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most critical performance metric (normalized performance indicator) from the comprehensive set of operating data, presenting it in isolation rather than overwhelming the operator with all available information. This selective extraction maintains efficiency optimization while improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual color coding (e.g., color bars) to represent performance levels, transforming complex numerical data into intuitive visual cues that operators can quickly comprehend and act upon without being overwhelmed by detailed information.
2Measurement precision
If the system calculates and presents detailed performance data, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the information processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple complex measurements (soil conditions, operating parameters, performance metrics) into a single normalized performance indicator, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the processed output to reduce system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms complex multi-parameter performance data into a simplified normalized indicator through mathematical transformation, preserving the precision of underlying measurements while changing the parameter representation to reduce processing complexity.
3Productivity
If the system provides real-time performance feedback, then the ability to adjust operating state is improved, but the time required to process and analyze data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores performance equations and models during system initialization, so that during real-time operation, only simple parameter substitution and evaluation are needed, enabling real-time feedback without excessive processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and presents the normalized performance indicator without requiring operator intervention for data analysis, providing real-time feedback while minimizing the time operators spend processing information.
Data Source
AI summary
Optimum performance in an earth moving machine, such as a track-type tractor, is a function of many complex factors such as power delivered to the tracks, load, soil type, soil conditions, speed, terrain, etc. To determine an operating point associated with optimum performance, operational data may be collected, processed, and applied to known performance curves for well characterized conditions to develop recommended operating conditions. A coefficient of traction and a shear modulus adjustment, reflecting surface conditions, are calculated at the tractor during operation and used to offset a table of ideal condition operating points for use in soil characterizations. Using this and other inputs, a cycle power equation gives a curve that peaks at a theoretical optimum performance. However, the number of variables make an analytic solution impossible. An iterative approach determines a range of operating conditions associated with optimum performance.